The Unequal Entitlement to Filial Care: How Do Older Chinese Immigrants Mobilize Support from Adult Children
2024

The Unequal Entitlement to Filial Care Among Older Chinese Immigrants

Sample size: 42 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Cao Xuemei

Primary Institution: Bentley University

Hypothesis

Why do some older immigrants hesitate to seek help from their children while others feel entitled to ask for help?

Conclusion

Older Chinese immigrants' ability to mobilize support from their children varies significantly based on their migration history and socioeconomic status.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older immigrants with higher socioeconomic status feel more entitled to ask for help.
  • Those who migrated at a younger age are better able to preserve cultural values related to filial piety.
  • Immigrants who arrived later in life often feel less entitled to seek help despite needing it.

Takeaway

Some older immigrants feel they can ask their kids for help, while others feel they can't, even if they really need it.

Methodology

In-depth interviews and ethnographic observations.

Limitations

The study focuses only on older Chinese immigrants in Massachusetts, which may limit generalizability.

Participant Demographics

Older Chinese immigrants aged 60 and above.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1146

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication